There’s nothing quite like the warm aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg filling your kitchen. This Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread is moist, perfectly spiced, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s a classic treat that’s great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Reasons to Love This Recipe:
- Moist and Flavorful – Pumpkin puree keeps the bread soft and tender.
- Warm Fall Spices – A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings cozy autumn vibes.
- Simple and Quick – Easy to make with pantry staples.
- Perfect for Gifting – Makes a great homemade gift during the holiday season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pumpkin Puree (1 cup) – Adds moisture and rich pumpkin flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the bread just right.
- Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed) – Adds a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
- Vegetable Oil (½ cup) – Keeps the bread soft and moist.
- Eggs (2 large) – Helps bind the ingredients together.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ¾ cups) – Provides structure to the bread.
- Baking Soda (1 tsp) – Helps the bread rise.
- Baking Powder (½ tsp) – Gives an extra lift for a light texture.
- Salt (½ tsp) – Enhances all the flavors.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp) – The perfect warm spice.
- Nutmeg (½ tsp) – Adds a subtle earthy sweetness.
- Cloves (¼ tsp) – A little goes a long way for extra depth.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Rounds out the flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- Milk (¼ cup) – Adds moisture and softens the texture.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
How to Make Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Pour in the milk and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Slice and enjoy!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Bread
- A dollop of butter or cream cheese
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- A warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread
- Use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Don’t overmix the batter—stir just until combined for a tender texture.
- Store properly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
- Freeze for later by wrapping slices in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
Can I add mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try adding chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Conclusion
This Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread is an easy, flavorful, and nostalgic recipe that brings warmth to any season. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or as a sweet treat, every bite is packed with fall goodness.
Let me know how your loaf turns out, and don’t forget to share your pictures!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Slice):
Calories: 220 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 180mg

Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
There’s nothing quite like the warm aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg filling your kitchen. This Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread is moist, perfectly spiced, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s a classic treat that’s great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
- Pumpkin Puree (1 cup) – Adds moisture and rich pumpkin flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the bread just right.
- Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed) – Adds a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
- Vegetable Oil (½ cup) – Keeps the bread soft and moist.
- Eggs (2 large) – Helps bind the ingredients together.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ¾ cups) – Provides structure to the bread.
- Baking Soda (1 tsp) – Helps the bread rise.
- Baking Powder (½ tsp) – Gives an extra lift for a light texture.
- Salt (½ tsp) – Enhances all the flavors.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp) – The perfect warm spice.
- Nutmeg (½ tsp) – Adds a subtle earthy sweetness.
- Cloves (¼ tsp) – A little goes a long way for extra depth.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Rounds out the flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- Milk (¼ cup) – Adds moisture and softens the texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Pour in the milk and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Don’t overmix the batter—stir just until combined for a tender texture.
- Store properly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
- Freeze for later by wrapping slices in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Cuisine: American